Self Help

It may sound trite, but the biggest barrier to recovering from an eating disorder is usually the person with the eating disorder. If he or she is not ready to make a change to be healthy, then there is very little that can be done. Once he or she has decided to make a change, then there are many steps a person can take to begin the road to recovery.

Research has proved that self help books can be enormously effective. Gurze Books produces an annual Eating Disorders Resource Catalogue is the most widely-used publication in the eating disorders field. With more than 200 carefully selected eating disorder resources including books, DVDs, newsletters, free articles, facts about eating disorders, and a thorough list of treatment facilities. You can order online, or ask your library to order them through inter-library loan.

People with eating disorders often feel isolated. One of the most important things you can do help yourself, is to reach out and get support. Most colleges have health centers with professionals trained to provide resources and information. Reach out to family and friends who will be supportive of your journey. Some online communities may be helpful, but only those who are supportive of recovery, and not pro-anorexia (pro-ANA) sites.

Begin to be in touch with the feelings and thoughts around the binges. Begin to understand your underlying emotional issues. Ask yourself what is it that you really want instead of food – is it a response to the worry of work? Do you really want a hug, a chat with a friend?

What may be one of the hardest things to do – sounds simple: accept the way you are. Your eating disorder has enabled you to cope with difficult circumstances. See if you can come up with other coping strategies which are less harmful.

The information provided on EatingDisorders.com is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her health professional. This information is solely for informational and educational purposes and we encourage all visitors to see a licensed physician if they believe that they have an eating disorder. The publication of this information does not constitute the practice of medicine, and this information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Neither the owners or employees of EatingDisorders.com nor the author(s) of site content take responsibility for any possible consequences from any treatment, procedure, exercise, dietary modification, action or application of medication which results from reading this site. Always speak with your primary health care provider before engaging in any form of self treatment. Please see our Legal Statement for further information.